Crossing guards keep children safe from traffic throughout the year--no matter the conditions: wind, rain, snow or sweltering heat.

Since 2005, the State of Illinois has been officially honoring these individuals with Crossing Guard Appreciation Day. This year, the event takes place tomorrow, May 1, 2012.

The Active Transportation Alliance invites everyone throughout Chicagoland to participate. Here are a few ideas for honoring your local crossing guard.

• Download and present them with a certificate of appreciation: www.activetrans.org/crossingguard.
• Write a thank you note.
• Give the guard a gift card to a local business.
• Share a story about the great work that a particular crossing guard does in your neighborhood: www.activetrans.org/crossingguard